And whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn or winter, the biosphere reserve always has something to offer.

In the central part of the Thuringian Forest, you can hike or ski along the mountain ridges, go mountain biking along trails with a 500-metre drop or climb up Thuringia's highest-placed tower.

Rest and relaxation can be found here throughout the year. But the biosphere reserve has plenty for the active holidaymaker as well.

A pleasant stroll, energetic Nordic walking or cross-country skiing among the peaks can all be enjoyed on well-signposted trails.

Culture lovers will find themselves following in the footsteps of writers August Trinius and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and the folk musician Herbert Roth.

Traditional crafts and customs are showcased in this mountainous region's various small museums and glassblowing studios. And the Schwarze Crux and Volle Rose visitor mines provide a glimpse of the treasures that once lay underground.

If you want to let someone else do all the organising, why not take advantage of a package deal? You could visit the mountain meadows in early summer when they're in full bloom. Or let yourself be pampered on a health and beauty break. Or if you're booking at the last minute, you could join a guided tour on foot, on mountain bike or on skis.

The larger towns on the edge of the forest offer a wide range of family-friendly attractions, such as a zoo, aquarium, high ropes course, ice sports centre and an open-air pool among the trees.

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